With just more than two weeks left to campaign, Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith has agreed to appear publicly with his Republican challenger, Clarence Bell Jr., at a candidate forum next month.
The two have agreed to field questions from voters at a Nov. 1 forum sponsored by the county?s League of Women Voters, the organization announced Monday, quieting Republicans who have criticized Smith for dodging Bell?s persistent requests to debate.
“I think Jim Smith knows that it would be horrible for him if he refused the League of Women Voters,” said Chris Cavey, chair of the county?s Republican Central Committee. “That would be worse than standing in the same room with Clarence.”
Bell, who most recently e-mailed Smith an invitation to debate in October, questioned the timing of the forum ? too late for several weekly county newspapers to include results before Election Day.
But Smith participated in a similar league forum last year, and happily agreed to the first date the group suggested this year, said campaign spokesman Sterling Clifford.
“[Residents] will get to ask questions relative to the philosophies and visions for Baltimore County and that is something the County executive is eager to share,” Clifford said.
The League organized the event at voters? requests for forums featuring candidates of different districts within the county, Member Marge Craven said. Time permitted only one forum for countywide races, she said.
The forum also will feature state?s attorney candidates Scott Shellenberger, a Democrat, and Republican Steve Bailey, she said.
In a county with twice as many Democrats as Republicans, Bell, a political newcomer, is considered a long shot. Smith easily defeated three challengers in the primary and has $1.2 million cash on hand compared to Bell?s $2,000, according to state finance reports.
